Driving in Thailand

[homeownership]

I am UK driving licence holder. This means I have a full UK driving licence which entitles me to drive a car in the European Union.

Last year, I was driving in Hua Hin, when I was stopped by the Police.

The Officer, asked to see my driving licence and I produced it on the spot, he said I need a international driving licence.

I thought he was trying to run me up, so I asked if I could help in the coffee money department, having received this indispensable advice, made reference to the fact that I am a Manchester United Supporter, which turned out so was he, he felt like a warning was sufficient and let me away on my onward journey.

I thought better to pay at the earliest opportunity and enjoy the rest of my holiday, I was in the right, I didn't need anything more than a UK driving licence to drive in Thailand.

W R O N G

It turns out the Police Officer was correct.

Along with my full uk licence, I also need an International Driving Permit. (Details can be found here Linky )

It costs just £5 and you can get one from the Post Office. Simply hand over your driving licence to the Post Office personnel and they will give you a permit then and there.

Now your legal to drive anywhere in the world. Check out the AA website.

Sorry this post is biased towards UK licence holders, other nationalities should check their own government sites to see if they need an equivalent permit.

[Soutpeel]

and of course one should add, if you claim "residency" in Thailand or drive for a period of 90 days or more in Thailand a Thai DL is required, an IDP is not valid

[kevvy]

you always boast of the millions of pounds you have , you should have offered him a 5 star dinner , and while you were driving by didn't you just keep driving to Malaysia and not come back ,you stated a month ago you were going and no one asked you back as you said .

[Swiss1960]

you always boast of the millions of pounds you have , you should have offered him a 5 star dinner , and while you were driving by didn't you just keep driving to Malaysia and not come back ,you stated a month ago you were going and no one asked you back as you said .

Why bash the OP for something sensible and true? Fact is that years back, you needed an international drivers licence even to cross borders within Europe. As most young people don't recall that time, they might never have heard about IDL's.

IDL is needed for Thailand, IDL is strongly recommended for the US of A (most car companies will require one) and for Japan, you even need an official translation of your drivers licence (IDL's are not accepted).

[NanLaew]

you always boast of the millions of pounds you have , you should have offered him a 5 star dinner , and while you were driving by didn't you just keep driving to Malaysia and not come back ,you stated a month ago you were going and no one asked you back as you said .

Why bash the OP for something sensible and true? Fact is that years back, you needed an international drivers licence even to cross borders within Europe. As most young people don't recall that time, they might never have heard about IDL's.

IDL is needed for Thailand, IDL is strongly recommended for the US of A (most car companies will require one) and for Japan, you even need an official translation of your drivers licence (IDL's are not accepted).

Pull your head in kevvy.

And it's an IDP not a bloody IDL.

And I think they are £5.50 at the Post Office in the UK these days.

[homeownership]

you always boast of the millions of pounds you have , you should have offered him a 5 star dinner , and while you were driving by didn't you just keep driving to Malaysia and not come back ,you stated a month ago you were going and no one asked you back as you said .

Please claim your prize for the most childish post on the Thai Visa Forum.

[ketra]

Op have you had a personality change, you seem a lot less egostistical. This topic is a good one compared to your usual style of Thai Bashing.

[homeownership]

I had a few weeks to chill out and relax. Put things in perspective and realised I was taking my frustrations out on everyone including TV members.

[ketra]

Op have you had a personality change, you seem a lot less egostistical. This topic is a good one compared to your usual style of Thai Bashing.

Where did you go, anywhere we know ?

[homeownership]

Op have you had a personality change, you seem a lot less egostistical. This topic is a good one compared to your usual style of Thai Bashing.

Where did you go, anywhere we know ?

Ao Nang (Krabi). Very nice resort. Have you been.

[ketra]

Op have you had a personality change, you seem a lot less egostistical. This topic is a good one compared to your usual style of Thai Bashing.

Where did you go, anywhere we know ?

Ao Nang (Krabi). Very nice resort. Have you been.

No. I havent yet. I will be leaving for Thailand this Sunday for a month.

[homeownership]

Op have you had a personality change, you seem a lot less egostistical. This topic is a good one compared to your usual style of Thai Bashing.

Where did you go, anywhere we know ?

Ao Nang (Krabi). Very nice resort. Have you been.

No. I havent yet. I will be leaving for Thailand this Sunday for a month.

Have fun.

[Soutpeel]

you always boast of the millions of pounds you have , you should have offered him a 5 star dinner , and while you were driving by didn't you just keep driving to Malaysia and not come back ,you stated a month ago you were going and no one asked you back as you said .

Why bash the OP for something sensible and true? Fact is that years back, you needed an international drivers licence even to cross borders within Europe. As most young people don't recall that time, they might never have heard about IDL's.

IDL is needed for Thailand, IDL is strongly recommended for the US of A (most car companies will require one) and for Japan, you even need an official translation of your drivers licence (IDL's are not accepted).

There is no such thing as an IDL, Its an International driving permit (IDP) and the purpose of the IDP is to provide an official "legalised" translation of you current valid home license and IDP's have been on the go for many many years

So my dear "Swiss1960" ya got it wrong

[simple1]

you always boast of the millions of pounds you have , you should have offered him a 5 star dinner , and while you were driving by didn't you just keep driving to Malaysia and not come back ,you stated a month ago you were going and no one asked you back as you said .

Why bash the OP for something sensible and true? Fact is that years back, you needed an international drivers licence even to cross borders within Europe. As most young people don't recall that time, they might never have heard about IDL's.

IDL is needed for Thailand, IDL is strongly recommended for the US of A (most car companies will require one) and for Japan, you even need an official translation of your drivers licence (IDL's are not accepted).

'cause the same topic is posted every six months or so, with nothing new added.

[evadgib]

(Extract from the AA)

Important notes

1. IDP applications can not be made any more than three months in advance of the date of travel. An IDP can not be backdated under any circumstances.

2. Persons going to a country to take up residence or employment, or for any reason other than tourism, should make enquiries about their personal position before relying on a permit.

3. It is important to check the accuracy of the personal information printed on your driving licence. If there are any errors or you have a change of name or address, you should immediately notify the DVLA/DVLNI.

4. When hiring a car overseas remember that driving licence requirements worldwide do vary. Therefore, if you are making an advanced reservation in the UK, ask the company concerned to confirm driving licence requirements of the country to be visited. In the absence of such information consider an IDP as a precautionary measure, especially if travelling outside Europe.

5. AN IDP ISSUED IN THE UK IS NOT VALID FOR USE IN THE UK.

6. All International Driving Permits will be returned to UK addresses by standard first class mail, unless the optional 'secure post' fee is paid. We do not accept responsibility for items that may be delayed or lost in the post.

http://www.theaa.com/getaway/idp/index.html

http://www.theaa.com/getaway/idp/motidp002.html

[kevvy]

you always boast of the millions of pounds you have , you should have offered him a 5 star dinner , and while you were driving by didn't you just keep driving to Malaysia and not come back ,you stated a month ago you were going and no one asked you back as you said .

Please claim your prize for the most childish post on the Thai Visa Forum.

when can i come and get it from you ...

[Lancashirelad]

I used to get a UK issued IDP for Thailand, now I don't bother.

As I understand it if your licence is in English, carries a photo and has pictogram categories you do not need an IDP.

This would seem to support my understanding: http://bangkok.angloinfo.com/information/transport/driving-licences/

[VocalNeal]

I used to get a UK issued IDP for Thailand, now I don't bother.

No but they are useful to give to the police, if on one occasion they claim you will have to go to the station and pay x to get it back!

[Kwasaki]

I used to get a UK issued IDP for Thailand, now I don't bother.

No but they are useful to give to the police, if on one occasion they claim you will have to go to the station and pay x to get it back!

That's a good point if you happen to do something wrong but say IDP @ 250baht aprox might as well pay the nice Thai policeman.

[Spoonman]

I used to get a UK issued IDP for Thailand, now I don't bother.

No but they are useful to give to the police, if on one occasion they claim you will have to go to the station and pay x to get it back!

That's a good point if you happen to do something wrong but say IDP @ 250baht aprox might as well pay the nice Thai policeman.

I have found no matter what I have been pulled over for when they ask for my licence I and reply "No Hab" they seem to start frothing at the mouth in anticipation of a 200b pay day and all else is forgotten.

[Kwasaki]

That's a good point if you happen to do something wrong but say IDP @ 250baht aprox might as well pay the nice Thai policeman.

I have found no matter what I have been pulled over for when they ask for my licence I and reply "No Hab" they seem to start frothing at the mouth in anticipation of a 200b pay day and all else is forgotten.

Is that pigeon English or Swedish.

[watcharacters]

.

I'm guessing people who have no valid license probably don have proper insurance. I'd hate to be involved in a serious accident in Thailand without the correct insurance.

Just saying...

[Kwasaki]

.

I'm guessing people who have no valid license probably don have proper insurance. I'd hate to be involved in a serious accident in Thailand without the correct insurance.

Just saying...

Maybe that's why they insure the vehicle in Thailand.

[kjun12]

you always boast of the millions of pounds you have , you should have offered him a 5 star dinner , and while you were driving by didn't you just keep driving to Malaysia and not come back ,you stated a month ago you were going and no one asked you back as you said .

IDL is strongly recommended for the US of A (most car companies will require one) and for Japan, you even need an official translation of your drivers licence (IDL's are not accepted).

Don't know where you got your info but an IDL is absolutely worthless in the US of A. No state recognizes it.

[Spoonman]

you always boast of the millions of pounds you have , you should have offered him a 5 star dinner , and while you were driving by didn't you just keep driving to Malaysia and not come back ,you stated a month ago you were going and no one asked you back as you said .

IDL is strongly recommended for the US of A (most car companies will require one) and for Japan, you even need an official translation of your drivers licence (IDL's are not accepted).

Don't know where you got your info but an IDL is absolutely worthless in the US of A. No state recognizes it.

Is that because there is no such thing as an IDL ?

[Lancashirelad]

I have rented cars in Thailand, Australia and the US. Never once been asked for an IDP.